AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine state government is accepting applications from nonprofit corporations to become one of eight new medical marijuana dispensaries.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday it is accepting applications now that rules for how dispensaries will be selected have been established. The rules also address registration for prospective patients, patient rights and provider responsibilities.

Maine voters last November approved a referendum proposal that changes Maine’s decade-old medical marijuana law and makes Maine the fifth state to allow retail dispensaries where patients can buy pot with a doctor’s prescription.

Application fees are $15,000, and those not chosen will have all but $1,000 returned.